Live your best life

Menu

reading

This week I’m talking books…but not just any old books, oh no. I’m talking books for fun, vivacious, cosmopolitan girls who like to get stuff done!

The books I’ve chosen for my first ever book blog post (blook post?) are all chosen with happiness, enjoyment or self accomplishment at their core. I’m not really a fiction girl, I like to read books based on real life and self development. I also like to use books to help me stay motivated, organised and focused. I’ve tried to create a varied list of my favourite books in the hope that you’ll find one or two to tickle your fancy…With that being said, lets get started!

Book 1

For who?This notebook can literally be used by anybody, anywhere. It’s the perfect size to fit in a handbag and carry around. It also doubles up as a really beautiful coffee table accessory or ‘shelfie’ ornament.

(While a selfie might show off your outfit or your face space, a shelfie flaunts your book collection)

Why I love it…

I mainly use my Forbes notebook to jot down my ideas and thoughts throughout the day. I’m a big big advocate of lists, in fact, I write lists for pretty much anything and everything you can imagine (gift ideas, to do lists, blog post ideas, shopping lists, passwords and usernames, the list goes on..). I think that having a really good and reliable notebook is quite frankly underrated. In a world that’s so heavily reliant on technology, it’s really refreshing to physically note and record your memories in a safe and palpable location.

I always carry a notebook around with me so I wanted one that would compliment my everyday style and add a little something to my outfit, like you would with a bag or an umbrella. It may seem a little redundant or unnecessary but you could be surprised at the spike in your productivity levels just from the acquisition of a fancy new notebook!

The perfect gift…

I loved this notebook so much that I even had to get one for my boyfriend. There’s something really special about personalised gifts and this was something a little bit quirky that I knew he would actually use. I chose to get my notebook from a company called Tangible Stationery, they offer loads of different versions of the Forbes Notebook and also the option to customise with names or special messages. They’re super affordable, amazing quality and come beautifully packaged in white tissue paper, a great idea if you’re stuck for gift ideas!

Book 2

PORTABLE COLOUR ME HAPPY By Lacy Mucklow

PORTABLE COLOUR ME HAPPY By Lacy Mucklow

For who? Creative adults who love colouring!

This portable colouring book is perfect for those moments you feel stressed, overwhelmed or just want to express your creativity in a quick and easy way.

Why I love it?There are so many benefits to colouring and I think we often overlook how it can impact on our lives.

7 benefits to colouring

Your brain experiences relief by entering a meditative state

Stress and anxiety levels have the potential to be lowered

Negative thoughts are expelled as you take in positivity

Focusing on the present helps you achieve mindfulness

Unplugging from technology promotes creation over consumption

Colouring can be done by anyone, not just artists or creative types

It’s a hobby that can be taken with you wherever you go, waiting for the tube, on a long journey or on an evening after a long day

So why not treat yourself this month to a new packet of nice felt tips pens and colouring book?

Book 3

Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Happier Life by Arianna Huffington

For who?Lovers of autobiography style books and self-improvement journals

How would I describe it in two words?Stimulating, inspiring.

If you aren’t aware of who Arianna Huffington is, she’s the founder of the Huffington Post and someone who I admire very much.

The general notion of this book is discovering what it means to be successful in today’s world. The book highlights that our relentless pursuit of the two traditional metrics of success — money and power — has led to an epidemic of stress-related illnesses, fatigue, an erosion in the quality of our relationships, family life and ironically, our careers.

The chapters are set into the headers; Well-Being, Wisdom, Wonder and Giving. Huffington draws on the latest research and scientific findings in the fields of psychology, sports, sleep, and physiology to prove the profound and transformative effects of meditation, mindfulness, unplugging, and giving.

This is a book I tend to pick up when I need to regroup and re-think my ideas surrounding my work-life and personal goals.

My thoughts? A really engaging and thought-provoking piece on what it means to be successful

Book 4

THE RULES OF WORK by Richard Templar

For who?

Quote lovers and those looking to improve their personal traits both in work and outside of work.

Why did I choose to feature this? Every time I’ve posted a quote or an extract from this book on my social media, I’ve always been inundated with people wondering where the quote originated from..well now you know!

THE RULES OF WORK by Richard Templar

The book is set out in the same format as all ‘The Rules of…’ books, whereby every notion or idea has a framed quote on the page, accompanied by a guide containing practical strategies and advice on how to apply the said idea to your own life.

For those of you who’ve been following me for a while, you’ll already know of my love for the Richard Templar ‘The Rules of…‘ books. I find Templar’s style of writing extremely concise, well executed and to the point. The Rules of Work is the type of book you can pick up, read a couple of pages and then go straight ahead and put what you’ve read into practice that day.

Two words to describe this book? Honest, useful.

Book 5

J’aurais adoré être ethnologue by Margaux Motin

Why did I choose to feature it? Its quirky, fun and amusing. The illustrations are really an art within themselves and it’s definitely a book I choose to read when I want to have a little giggle to myself..

I would best describe the topics in this BD as the chronicles of a modern woman. This book is truly charming and very very funny.

I might note that Motin is a mother and so, if you don’t have children, perhaps not all of this book is entirely relatable. None-the-less this book is full of beautiful illustrations and hilarious everyday situations that we can all find humour in.

Book 6

Everyday Happiness: 365 Ways to a Joyful life by Bounty

For who? Another one for the quote lovers!

Everyday Happiness: 365 Ways to a Joyful life by Bounty

Why did I choose to feature this? It takes only one small action every day to build on your happiness. Staying positive is truly attainable though reading this book each morning. I love this little pocket-book, it’s sweet, simple and thanks to its bite size format, extremely achievable.

Each daily page features either an inspirational quote or an exercise, like try something new, take a plant to work, compliment someone, or embrace a colour.

‘Everyday Happiness’ encourages you to really make every day count – filled with inspirational quotes, positive actions and achievable goals, this cute little book is the perfect kickstart for anyone in need of a positive pick-me-up.

And with that, we have the 6 books that every cosmopolitan girl needs!

I would love to know how you find these books and if you have any recommendations for me for a future post.

I have really enjoyed compiling a list of my top 6 books for you and I hope you can find the same joy in them that I do.